Gourmet Burgers with Sun-Dried Tomato

Name: Gourmet Burgers with Sun-Dried Tomato
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings.
Ingredients: 1 jar (7 ounces) oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes; 3 medium onions, halved and thinly sliced; 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion; 2 tablespoons dried basil; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 2 teaspoons ground chipotle pepper; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 3 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean); 1 cup crumbled goat cheese; 8 hamburger buns, split; Mixed salad greens, optional

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 40 min. Grill: 10 min. YIELD: 8 servings.

This recipe brings together many of the flavors my family enjoys, complete with a surprise in the center of each burger. You can use almost any cheese—Gorgonzola, feta, smoked Gouda, blue or another family favorite. —Aaron Shields, Hamburg, New York

Ingredients

1 jar (7 ounces) oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
3 medium onions, halved and thinly sliced
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
2 tablespoons dried basil
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground chipotle pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean)
1 cup crumbled goat cheese
8 hamburger buns, split
Mixed salad greens, optional

Directions

1. Drain tomatoes, reserving 1/3 cup oil; set aside. In a large skillet, saute sliced onions in 3 Tbsp. reserved oil until softened. Add vinegar. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, stirring occasionally, until deep golden brown, 30-40 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, chop sun-dried tomatoes and transfer to a large bowl. Add the red onion, seasonings and remaining 7 tsp. reserved oil. Crumble beef over mixture and mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into 16 thin patties. Place 2 tablespoons goat cheese on the center of 8 patties. Top with remaining patties and press edges firmly to seal.
3. Grill burgers, covered, over medium heat until a thermometer reads 160° and juices run clear, 5-7 minutes on each side.
4. Place buns, cut side down, on grill until toasted, 1-2 minutes. Serve burgers on buns with onions, and mixed greens if desired.

Nutrition Facts

1 burger with 2 tablespoons onions: 596 calories, 32g fat (10g saturated fat), 123mg cholesterol, 588mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 42g protein.